Ten day holiday... Encinitas, Del Mar, Ramona

We just returned and considering the generous suggestions posted offer our humble experiences.

The thrust of the trip was racing at Del Mar which minimized our free time. Three nights in an Encinitas B&B ended up once with a pizza from Pizzacato(name?), 3 cheese, mushroom, sausage...OK though dry and doughy crust. New Haven, NYC and Boston have spoiled us. The other two nights were 6 Juanita's tacos,pork and fish with a jug of wine back in the room...remarkable food for the price and a joy to take in the mix while waiting in line.

Several lunches at The Fish Market for convenience worked well. Their faults are many but steamed clams, crab cakes and harpooned swordfish were all excellent.One morning we arrived at Jake's at the 11:30 opening to get the front far-north table. It was one of those dreamy days, cloudless and dry, a postcard setting with grilled prawns, a mixed seafood grill and pecan crusted sea bass. Expensive , with two bottles of fume blanc, but reliable quality.

Off to Ramona with the good sense to shop at Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and the front outdoor fruit/vegetable stand in La Jolla before we left. The Ramona Cafe is great for free wireless but the breakfasts sit heavily.